Emanuel (Manny) Klementon, 81 of Newington, CT, beloved husband of Marie (Paindiris) Klementon, passed away peacefully at home on December 16, 2023. He was born in Rhodes, Greece, in the village of Gennadi, son of the late Klemes and Irene (Tsakiris) Klementon and immigrated to this country in 1949.

Manny lived a life of service – service to his family, his friends, country, and God. His journey in service began with his time in the United States Army from 1968 – 1970. During this time, Manny developed his skills as a cook, paving the way for his civilian career in the food service industry. Inspired during his time in the Army, Manny took immense pride in his later years serving his fellow Veterans as a cook at the Rocky Hill Veterans Home. He not only nurtured his fellow Veterans with delicious meals, but he also filled their days with friendship and laughter and, on occasion, was known to share his home and family to those veterans most in need.

While the Veteran's home was a highlight for him in the later part of his career, he shared fond memories working in places like Mr. Steak, Jiggs Coffee Shop, and Elm Hill Pizza. Of special note, Manny was a fixture at Effie's Place restaurant in West Hartford for years, serving up menus and jokes as their honorary "maître d" during the busy weekend brunch hours.

Manny was a longtime parishioner of St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Hartford, CT. He dutifully served his church and community and was known for preparing delightful Greek foods at the annual Festival each June.

Manny loved many things in life, including watching the New York Yankees win and the Boston Red Sox lose, trips to the casino, telling a good joke, and spending time entertaining his many friends alongside his wife Marie in their home. Weekly dinners at their house were a staple, and everyone always left full, with a to-go container in hand.

Of his many loves in life, none was as great as his love of family. His most cherished accomplishment in life is the beautiful family he built alongside his loving wife of 55 years Marie. Manny is survived by two sons, Klem Klementon, and his wife Lora, and Peter Klementon, and his wife Theresa, along with five cherished granddaughters Gabrielle, Annie, Emma, Sophia, and Kristina Klementon. He took great pride in his Pappou duties, watching all their sporting activities, sharing a hot dog with them on a summer day, and funding their allowances with the famous "Pappou Money". His grandchildren loved him deeply and will forever remember him as "My Friend Pappou".

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Manny is survived by his loving sister, Mary Kotiadis and her husband Christos of Newington, CT and many beloved nieces and nephews and brother and sister-in laws. Manny is predeceased by his sisters Helen and Despina.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 4 to 7 pm at the  Dillon Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke. Wethersfield. The funeral will be, Thursday, December 21, 2023 11:00 am in St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave, Hartford, CT. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford.

Donations may be made in Manny's memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com